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Don’t guffaw, but Subaru thinks it can build a better X5. Really. Your eyes are rolling, but the engineers of this Indiana-built crossover were so sure we’d agree that they let us drive the new B9 Tribeca back-to-back with an X5 3.0i priced about $15,000 higher.

Subaru‘s six cylinders are arranged horizontally for a lower center of gravity. This 3.0-liter flat-six comes directly out of an Outback and sounds even sweeter than the X5’s inline-six. Relative to that sterling mill, it produces an extra 25 horsepower and five-pound-feet of torque. Weighing in at a claimed 4250 pounds, the Scooby’s six has 450 fewer pounds to lug around that the Bimmer, giving it a 19 percent advantage in weight-to-power.

Drop the hammer, and the B9 steps off briskly enough to discount Subaru’s 8.0-second 0-to-60-mph estimate as at least a half-second conservative. Short gearing in the standard five-speed automatic and an aggressive throttle tip-in would make this a difficult vehicle to place accurately on rocks and other off-road obstacles. But with no low-range or locking differentials, Subaru (like BMW) is content to cede that type of driving to Jeep. Standard AWD and stability control teamed with 8.4 inches of ground clearance should tackle any rough two-track.

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A front strut/rear multilink suspension was tuned to closely match the handling dynamics of the BMW, while softening the suspension settings for improved ride quality. Fat 255/55R18 Goodyear Eagles match the size of the X5’s sport suspension tires. An hour behind the wheel afforded few twisty sections, but each was threaded with aplomb and minimal body roll. Midcourse steering corrections never were required, but the steering feels a trifle light, and it transmits less road-surface information than a BMW’s does. Still, this is an impressively astute road-runner.

Where Subaru clearly trumps BMW is in interior-space efficiency. Stretching just five inches longer on a 2.8-inch-shorter wheelbase the B9 Tribeca fits three rows of seats (a third-row-delete option will be offered). The middle row slides to apportion legroom between rows. Max cargo space with the seats folded flat appears to be much larger than in the BMW.Subaru’s new aeronautical, dare we say Alfa-inspired, facade may cause passersby to smirk, but the smiles on a B9 driver’s face will be genuine.

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca News and Reviews

Subaru went big with its new {{{B9 Tribeca}}}, which serves up a taller height, more cargo area, and increased passenger capacity while matched with trademark Subee features to generate a well-executed SUV. The new Tribeca delivers an enjoyable, energetic ride through the hills, but if you want a dash of STI performance, consider the latest upgrades from Cobb Tuning. Based…

Let's just say the Subaru Tribeca's styling is, uh...thought provoking. When it came time to vote, grumbling about its homely looks made it difficult to ascertain favorable comments regarding its road-holding abilities and exhaust note. Subaru's first entry into the crossover market is a three-row SUV designed to help Subaru hold onto Outback owners looking to trade up. With 4281…

The new model year is upon us, bringing the darlings of the last auto show season to our local dealers and driveways. The dominant themes are fun and versatility, often taken together. Numerous new models are recasting successful predecessors, like the Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, while others look to a more distant past for inspiration, such as the Jeep…

You're looking at this picture and asking yourself what these four vehicles have in common. Okay, here it is: Getting you and your family to Wally World or Wal-Mart even if that means negotiating foul weather, twisty roads, or hundreds of miles of arrow-straight highway. These are the new all-wheel-drive "all 'rounders."We've come a long way since the Wagon Queen…

There's nothing wrong with a vehicle having personality--but you don't want it to make you cringe. This is the controversy surrounding the B9 Tribeca. Subaru has found success by thinking differently and incorporating unique styling into its cars. Remember the Brat? The SVX? Its new, three-row-seat, crossover sport/utility is attractive, inside and--mostly--out. But will the Tribeca's odd-duck face scare off…